Pneumatic transport tube system

ABSTRACT

A pneumatic transport system including an up receive/down send customer terminal having a pivot assembly for vertically and pivotally displacing a pneumatic carrier between a vertical position and an angularly disposed presentation position. The customer terminal includes a movable carrier cradle assembly to absorb relatively small impact forces from a vehicle mirror or other moving object. The carrier cradle assembly also includes a break away feature for limiting damage to the customer terminal from greater impact forces. A blower in the customer terminal is operative in pressure and vacuum modes to supply pressure differentials to selectively move the carrier. An up receive/down send operator terminal includes a rotatable door for opening and closing a carrier access opening. A component panel assembly is movable to allow access to terminal components of the operator terminal.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims benefit pursuant to 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) of eachof the following provisional applications, each of which was filed onSep. 16, 2005 and the disclosure of each of which is incorporated hereinby reference: 60/717,932; 60/717,847; 60/717,854; 60/717,950;60/717,999; 60/717,980; 60/717,895; 60/717,930; 60/717,931; 60/717,929;60/717,963; and 60/717,859.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to the area of pneumatictransport systems, and exemplary embodiments have particularapplicability to down send pneumatic transport tube systems.

BACKGROUND ART

Pneumatic transport tube systems typically transport a carrier through atransport tube between at least two terminals. The carrier is moved bycreating pneumatic pressure differentials within the transport tube withrespect to the ends of the carrier. Pneumatic transport tube systems areoften utilized by banks. A teller terminal, located in the bank, isconnected by a pneumatic transport tube to a customer terminal locatedoutside the bank such that a customer may use the customer terminalwhich is accessible from a vehicle. Typically, the carrier in suchsystems is cylindrical and removable through the transport tube betweenthe customer and teller terminals. The transport tube connecting theteller and customer terminals may in some systems be installed overheadand in other systems be installed underground. Consequently, a terminalfor use with an underground transport tube system may also be referredto as an up-receive/downsend terminal or simply a downsend terminal.

The force available to move the carrier through the transport tubebetween the customer and the teller terminals is determined by thepneumatic pressure differentials developed across the carrier. Themaximum pressure differential is a design parameter and is determined bythe size of the blowers, motors and other devices used to createdifferential pressure. Consequently, pneumatic transport tube systemshave a maximum pressure differential that may be applied across thecarrier, and that maximum pressure differential is a factor that impactsthe maximum load carrying capability of the carrier.

In some prior down send terminals, the carrier is received in theterminal and then moved to an exchange station in which the carrier isout of the transport tube and within reach of the user. After finishinga transaction, the user typically inserts the carrier directly into avertical section of the transport tube. The user may inadvertently fillthe carrier with a load that exceeds the maximum load carrying capacityof the carrier. Consequently, if a carrier is overloaded, the carriermay drop to the bottom of the vertical tube section of the terminal andstop. The pneumatic forces developed in the transport tube may beinsufficient to move the carrier through the transport tube. Therefore,the transport tube system is out of service until the overloaded carrieris manually removed. Down send terminals, to which the user has directaccess to the transport tube, may have other disadvantages. For example,debris or other materials may be intentionally or inadvertently put intothe vertical tube section.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,356,243 addresses the problems discussed above byproviding a vertical transport tube section which pivots about astationary upper horizontal axis to move the carrier between thevertical send/receive position and an oblique but generally verticalpresentation position. The transport tube construction generallyprevents an overloaded carrier from entering the transport tube system.Further, the construction reduces the risk of debris or foreign matterinadvertently entering the system.

While the general concept disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,356,243 addressessome of the problems associated with a down send system, there is a needfor improved transport tube systems. For example, there exists a need inthe art for improved sealing means and methods in a pneumatic transportsystem.

There also exists a need for improved performance of pneumatic transportsystems. For example, there exist needs for improvements in blower lifeand performance, improved accessibility to system components for serviceor replacement, retrofit options for existing pneumatic systems, andmore user-friendly terminals.

Additionally, if a vehicle strikes a terminal carrier support such aswith a vehicle mirror, major structural damage can occur to the terminaland/or to the vehicle. Thus there exists a need for a carrier cradleassembly that flexes and/or breaks away before significant structuraldamage occurs to the carrier cradle assembly or the supportingstructures.

Exemplary embodiments address the above concerns while providing apneumatic transport tube system having improved features andperformance.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

To overcome limitations associated with prior pneumatic transport tubesystems, an exemplary embodiment provides a pneumatic transport systemhaving a pneumatic transport tube with a customer terminal endoperatively connected to an up receive/down send customer terminal andan up receive/down send operator terminal end operatively connected toan operator terminal, wherein a carrier is movable between and withinthe terminals.

An exemplary customer terminal includes a first frame member, a pivotassembly, a carrier cradle assembly, and an air supply assembly. Thepivot assembly provides for selective movement of the carrier betweenthe transport tube and a presentation position.

An exemplary operator terminal includes a second frame member, a doorassembly, a catch assembly, and a panel assembly. In an exemplaryoperator terminal, each assembly is accessible for replacement and/orservicing from the front of the operator terminal.

In an exemplary customer terminal, the pivot assembly comprises at leastone mounting plate, a tubular member for receiving the carrier throughan open first end, a pivot pin mounted on the tubular member that isadapted for movement within a vertical slot in the mounting plate, and adisplacement mechanism operable to pivotally and vertically displace thetubular member between a first substantially vertical position and asecond oblique position. A sealing member circumferentially disposedabout the open first end of the tubular member cooperates with a sealingmember on an interface edge of the transport tube to seal the interfacetherebetween. The displacement mechanism includes a motor controlled bya control circuit having current indicating output suitable to detect astall condition in the motor.

The exemplary pivot assembly includes a tubular sleeve for directingmovement of the carrier from within the tubular member to the carriercradle assembly. When the tubular member is in the oblique secondposition, the tubular member and the tubular sleeve cooperate to providea substantially continuous conduit for passage of the carrier. A sealingmember at the interface edge of the tubular sleeve cooperates with thesealing member at the first end of the tubular member to seal theinterface therebetween.

In the pivot assembly, an exemplary displacement mechanism includes adrive mechanism to direct movement of a cam follower, in supportingconnection with the tubular member, to traverse a cam groove formed in acam member. The drive mechanism includes a driver, rotatable in responseto a drive motor, and a driven member having a drive slot therein. Thecam follower is operably received within the drive slot. Movement of thedriven member causes movement of the cam follower within the cam groove.The cam follower is operable responsive to the drive mechanism totraverse the cam groove in a first manner whereby the tubular member isdisplaced from the vertical position to the oblique position. A reversalof the drive mechanism causes the cam follower to traverse the camgroove in a second manner whereby the tubular member is displaced fromthe oblique position to the vertical position, aligned with the verticaltransport tube run. The pivot pin moves in a vertical slot in themounting plate, responsive to movement of the cam follower.

In an exemplary customer terminal, the carrier cradle assembly isoperative to selectively support the carrier in a presentation positionsubstantially outside of the tubular member. The cradle assemblycomprises a mounting bracket, a cradle body mounted in supportingconnection with the mounting bracket, and a mounting mechanism operableto mount the mounting bracket to the pivot assembly. The mountingmechanism may comprise at least one flex mechanism including a springmember. If the cradle body encounters a relatively small generallyhorizontally directed force, the cradle body deflects away from aninitial position. When the force is removed, the cradle body returns toits initial position.

In an exemplary embodiment, the mounting bracket of the cradle assemblymay additionally or alternately include at least one frangible member,disposed adjacent the cradle body. The frangible member is operable tobreak when a force exerted against the cradle body exceeds a thresholdvalue. In this exemplary embodiment, the cradle body is operative to“break away” to prevent substantial structural damage to the customerterminal and/or a vehicle that impacts the cradle body. Repairing thecustomer terminal of the exemplary embodiment merely requires mountinganother carrier cradle assembly to the pivot assembly.

In an exemplary customer terminal, the air supply assembly is operativeto supply first and second pressure differentials across the carrier. Anexemplary air supply assembly includes a blower assembly including ablower housing which houses a blower motor. In some exemplaryembodiments, the blower assembly includes a pivotal valve disposedwithin the blower chamber to regulate operation of the assembly betweenpressure and vacuum modes. In other exemplary embodiments, a divertervalve assembly is in flow communication with the blower assembly inorder to alternately apply the blower assembly output between a vacuummode and a pressure mode. The blower motor of some embodiments may be aswitched reluctance blower motor in order to provide advantages overtraditional brush motor blowers, especially as related to blower life,i.e. approximately 6000 hours versus 500 hours.

An exemplary embodiment of the customer terminal is adapted for use innew construction or retrofit applications. The customer terminalincludes a frame member having a forward wall portion, a rearward wallportion, and a bottom wall portion, wherein the bottom wall portionincludes forward and rearward open regions. The air supply assembly mayinclude a blower housing selectively mounted to the forward wall portionor the rearward wall portion. If the customer end of the pneumatictransport tube is adapted to be received through the rearward openregion, then the blower housing may be mounted to the forward wallportion. Alternately, if the customer end is adapted to be receivedthrough the forward open region, then the blower chamber may be mountedto the rearward wall portion.

The exemplary customer terminal may include a pivot assembly supportedon the frame member. The pivot assembly is adapted to be in operationalconnection with a customer end of the pneumatic transport tube at aninterface site. In the exemplary embodiment, the interface site remainsthe same regardless of whether the pneumatic transport tube extendsthrough the forward open region or the rearward open region. A tubesegment may extend from the customer end to the interface site. The tubesegment is dimensioned for passage of a carrier therethrough.

In an exemplary embodiment, the operator terminal comprises a differentconstruction than the customer terminal. In an exemplary operatorterminal, a carrier within the terminal is accessed through a carrieraccess opening. A door assembly, supported on a frame member, isoperative to selectively open and close the carrier access opening. Thedoor assembly includes a door member rotatable about a vertical axis inresponse to operation of a door drive mechanism. The door drivemechanism includes a sprocket and a drive tape which is engaged with thedoor member. The sprocket moves responsive to a motor controlled by acontrol circuit having current draw sensing capability that is operativeto detect a stall condition in the motor.

In an exemplary operator terminal, a catch assembly is operative toselectively prevent the carrier from downward movement within theoperator terminal. The catch assembly may include a catch mechanismcomprising a movable catch member operable to selectively engage thebottom end of the carrier such that an upper end of the carrier isbiased toward the access opening.

In an exemplary operator terminal, a panel assembly is selectivelymounted to the operator terminal frame member. The panel assemblyincludes a component panel selectively positionable between an operativeposition and a service position. At least one operator terminalcomponent is carried on a mounting surface of the component panel,wherein when the component panel is in the operative position, themounting surface faces the rear of the terminal. When the componentpanel is in the service position, the at least one operator terminalcomponent is accessible from the front of the operator terminal. Theconstruction of the operator terminal may also allow for the doorassembly and the catch assembly to be readily accessed from the front ofthe terminal for servicing or replacement.

Accordingly, it is an object of exemplary embodiments to provide apneumatic transport system having a pneumatic transport tube throughwhich a carrier is moved utilizing a single blower assembly mounted inthe customer terminal.

It is a further object of exemplary embodiments to provide a customerterminal having a pivot assembly for moving a carrier between thetransport tube and a carrier cradle assembly.

It is a further object of exemplary embodiments to prevent substantialstructural damage to the customer terminal if the cradle body isimpacted with a generally horizontally-directed force.

It is a further object of exemplary embodiments to provide a customerterminal adapted for retrofit applications.

It is a further object of exemplary embodiments to provide a customerterminal utilizing a switched reluctance blower motor to provide firstand second pressure differentials for moving the carrier through thesystem.

It is a further object of exemplary embodiments to provide an operatorterminal having a door assembly, a catch assembly, and a panel assembly,wherein each assembly is accessible for replacement or service from aposition in front of the operator terminal.

It is a further object of exemplary embodiments to provide an operatorterminal which utilizes a drive mechanism including a sprocket and drivetape to rotate a door member between an open and a closed position.

It is a further object of exemplary embodiments to provide a motorcontrol integrated circuit which provides a current sense output tomonitor operation of the motors which drive various system components.

It is a further object of exemplary embodiments to provide a method ofmoving a carrier through a pneumatic transport tube system.

It is a further object of exemplary embodiments to provide methods ofoperating a customer terminal and an operator terminal.

It is a further object of exemplary embodiments to provide methods ofservicing a pneumatic transport system.

These and other objects of exemplary embodiments will become morereadily apparent from the following description of exemplary embodimentstaken together with the accompanying drawings and the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of an exemplary pneumatic transportsystem for use in a banking operation.

FIG. 2 is an isometric view, partial broken away of an exemplarycustomer terminal.

FIG. 3 is a partial isometric view of an exemplary customer terminal.

FIG. 4 is a partial isometric view of an exemplary customer terminal.

FIGS. 5A-5D are schematic representations of an exemplary pivot assemblyillustrating the operation of a displacement mechanism.

FIGS. 6A-6B are partial side views, partly broken away, of an exemplarycustomer terminal illustrating the operation of a flex mechanism.

FIGS. 7A-7B are isometric views of an exemplary customer terminalshowing alternate mounting sites for a blower housing.

FIG. 8 is an expanded view of one embodiment of a blower assembly havinga pivot valve assembly mounted within a blower housing.

FIG. 9 is a schematic representation of a control circuit.

FIG. 10 is an expanded view of an exemplary support plate showing a handsensor.

FIG. 11 is an expanded view showing exemplary interactive components ofan exemplary customer terminal.

FIG. 12 is an expanded view of an exemplary embodiment of an operatorterminal.

FIG. 13 is an expanded view of an exemplary embodiment of a doorassembly.

FIG. 14 is a rear isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of anoperator terminal absent the frame member.

FIG. 15 is an isometric view of an exemplary operator terminal.

BEST MODES FOR CARRYING OUT INVENTION

Referring now to the drawings which are presented for the purpose ofillustrating exemplary embodiments only, and not for the purpose oflimiting the same, FIG. 1 shows a point-to-point pneumatic transfersystem 10 for use, for example, in a banking operation. System 10 isbasically comprised of an operator terminal 12 and a customer terminal14 which are connected by an underground pneumatic transport tube 16.Transport tube 16 is cylindrical in shape and is dimensioned to receivea cylindrical carrier 18. Carrier 18 is adapted to carrying articlesthrough transport tube 16 between operator terminal 12 and customerterminal 14, and to be removable from such terminals 12, 14, i.e.,carrier 18 is a “noncaptive” carrier.

The construction of carrier 18 of the exemplary embodiment is suitablefor movement responsive to differential pressure between the customerand operator terminals. Broadly stated, carrier 18 is comprised of atubular body portion having frustoconical end portions. Adjacent eachend portion is an annular resilient surface dimensioned to have an outerdiameter which closely approximates the inner diameter of the transporttube 16. These annular surfaces generally seal the carrier against theinner surface of the transport tube 16. The tubular body portion ofcarrier 18 defines an internal cavity for containing the articles to betransferred. Access to the internal cavity may in some embodiments be bymoving an end cap, or in other embodiments by a side door through thetubular portion of the carrier. Of course in other embodiments othertypes of carriers, including “captive” type carriers which do not leavethe transport tube, may be used.

Operator terminal 12 is adapted to be positioned within a building suchas in a bank at a teller station. The teller station may include awindow which provides a view for the teller to the customer terminal 14.Alternately, or in addition, video equipment may provide a view of thecustomer terminal 14 and persons using it.

Customer terminal 14 is adapted to be positioned remotely from theoperator terminal such as outside a building such that a customer mayaccess the customer terminal 14 from within a vehicle. This describeduse of the pneumatic transport system is merely exemplary and otherembodiments may be used in other types of transaction environments.

In exemplary embodiments, transport tube 16 may be formed ofcommercially available tubing having a circular nominal 4⅛″ innerdiameter, although other sizes and shapes of tubing may be used. Inexemplary embodiments, the transport tube 16 is adapted to be primarilydisposed extending horizontally beneath the ground surface and having agenerally vertically extending customer end 16A and an operator end 16Bwhich are adapted to be received within the terminals.

Operator terminal 12 and customer terminal 14 are herein referred to as“up receive/down send” terminals indicative of the movement of thecarrier 18 therein. The carrier 18 is moved through the system bycreating pneumatic pressure differentials within the transport tube 16.

Customer terminal 14 may include user interface components such as adisplay, call/send buttons, and audio and video equipment, which are notshown in this view. A carrier cradle assembly 20 is provided forpresentation of the carrier 18 to the customer.

Operator terminal 12 may also include operator buttons to controlmovement of the carrier 18 through the pneumatic transport system (notshown in this view). Access to the carrier 18 at the operator terminalis provided through a carrier access opening 22, as will be discussed ingreater detail below.

With reference to FIGS. 2-4, customer terminal 14 includes a frame 26for supporting several customer terminal components. Exemplaryembodiments of customer terminal 14 may also include a side access cover28, a top side fascia 30, a top cover 32, and a front fascia 34, all ofwhich cooperate and are in supported connection with frame 26 to form ahousing for certain customer terminal components.

Generally, exemplary customer terminal 14 includes a pivot assembly 40supported on an upper support surface 44 of frame 26. Customer terminalfurther includes an air supply assembly 46 which is alternativelyreferred to as a blower herein, for applying pressure differentials tothe system for movement of pneumatic transport of carrier 18. In anexemplary embodiment, a carrier cradle assembly 20 is mounted insupporting connection to the pivot assembly 40. A tube segment 48 mayextend from customer end 16A of the pneumatic transport tube 16 andprovide an operative connection with the pivot assembly 40 for transportof the carrier 18 as will be discussed in further detail below. In otherexemplary embodiments, pivot assembly 40 may directly connect withcustomer end 16A. The connection site of pivot assembly 40 with thecustomer end 16A, either directly or indirectly, occurs at an “interfacesite.” In an exemplary embodiment, the interface site 49 is located atthe junction of pivot assembly 40 and tube segment 48, best seen in FIG.4.

Support surface 44 includes one or more openings therethrough for thepassage of wires, cables, and the like between components situated aboveand below the support surface 44. Other openings in support surface 44are provided to accommodate the operation of the air supply assembly 46and to provide for the interface of the pivot assembly 40 with thetransport tube.

The construction and operation of the exemplary pivot assembly isdescribed with particular reference to FIGS. 3, 4 and 5A-D. The pivotassembly, generally denoted 40, includes a first mounting plate 50 whichis mounted in supporting connection to frame member 26 in an upperregion of the customer terminal 14. The pivot assembly 40 includes atubular member 52 that selectively undergoes pivotal and verticaldisplacement between a first substantially vertical position, shown inFIGS. 3, 4 and FIG. 5A and a second oblique position, shown in FIG. 5D.

When tubular member 52 is in the first vertical position, itslongitudinal axis 53 is generally vertically disposed and a first end 58of the tubular member is in operable connection with the customer end16A of the pneumatic transport tube through an interface site 49 asdescribed above (best seen in FIG. 5A). When tubular member 52 is in theoblique presentation position, the longitudinal axis 53 is disposed atan acute angle relative to the vertical direction as illustrated in FIG.5D. In the exemplary embodiment, the included angle, α, between thevertical first position and the oblique second position ranges fromabout 25° to about 35°. The exact value of α will largely be determinedby the particular embodiment. The exemplary tubular member 52 isdimensioned in length and diameter so as to be operative to receive apneumatic carrier 18 therein, shown in phantom in FIG. 5A. In theexemplary embodiment, tubular member 52 comprises a diametersubstantially equal to the diameter of the pneumatic transport tube 16.The tubular member is dimensioned so that annular rings or sealingmembers disposed at the ends of the carrier are engaged in generallymovable fluid tight relation with the interior wall of the tubularmember.

In the exemplary embodiment, the pivot assembly includes a secondmounting plate 59, horizontally spaced from first mounting plate 50,with the tubular member 52 supported therebetween, as shown in FIGS. 3and 4. Of course this approach is exemplary and in other embodimentsother supporting means and approaches may be used. As best seen in FIGS.3 and 4, in the exemplary embodiment, each mounting plate comprises anessentially flat body member with internally and externally directedsurfaces. Certain mounting flanges extend outwardly from the mountingplates as will be explained in further detail below.

In the exemplary embodiment, a displacement mechanism, generally denoted60, is in supporting connection with the first mounting plate 50. Thedisplacement mechanism is operable to cause concerted vertical andpivotal movement of the tubular member 52 between the vertical andoblique positions.

With particular reference to FIGS. 3 and 5A-5D, the exemplary pivotassembly 40 includes an exemplary displacement mechanism 60 operable topivotally and vertically displace tubular member 52 in concerted motion.The exemplary displacement mechanism 60 includes a drive mechanism 62 todirect movement of a cam follower 64, operatively connected to thetubular member 52, to traverse a cam groove 68. The cam follower 64 isoperable to traverse the cam groove 68 responsive to the drive mechanism62.

With reference to FIG. 4, the exemplary drive mechanism 62 includes arotatable driver 70 and a driven member 74. In the exemplary embodiment,the driver 70 comprises a sprocket rotatable on axle 76 responsive tooperation of a motor 78. In the exemplary embodiment, axle 76 extendsthrough an opening 80 in first mounting plate 50.

With reference again to FIGS. 3 and 5A-5D, the exemplary driven member74 includes a semi-circular body 84 having an arched semi-circular outeredge 86 including a plurality of gear teeth 88. The driven member 74 isrotatable about a first axis 90 responsive to engagement of successiveteeth with driver 70.

The driven member 74 includes a drive slot 92 therein defined byboundary wall 94. At least a portion of cam follower 64 extends in driveslot 92 and in operative engagement with boundary wall 94. As drivemember 74 rotates, engagement of the cam follower 64 with boundary wall94 moves the cam follower in the cam groove 68. In this exemplaryembodiment, drive slot 92 is an open slot, although other constructionsmay be used in other embodiments. As will be explained in greater detailbelow, and as illustrated in FIGS. 5A-5D, the driven member is operableto rotate substantially 180° about the axis 90. In other embodiments thebody of the driven member may encompass a circular arc greater or lessthan a semi-circle or may have a non-arcuate structure. As shown in FIG.3, the body 84 of driven member 74 of some embodiments may include voidareas to reduce weight and manufacturing costs.

In this exemplary embodiment, for ease of manufacture and assembly, thecam groove 68 is formed in a cam member 96 that is mounted in supportingconnection with the first mounting plate 50. Mounting plate 50 includesan opening 98, best seen in FIG. 4, that is operably co-extensive withthe cam groove 68. In other words, in this exemplary embodiment theopening 98 may be larger than the cam groove, but it must at least be asextensive as cam groove 68. If after extensive repetitive operation, thecam member becomes worn in the area of the cam groove, the cam membercan be readily replaced without disassembling the mounting plate 50. Inother exemplary embodiments, the cam member 96 and the mounting plate 50may be parts of a unitary component. Of course in other embodimentsother approaches may be used.

In the exemplary embodiment, the cam follower 64 extends through theopening 98 in the mounting plate 50 and through cam groove 68. Asexplained above, at least a portion of cam follower 64 extends intodrive slot 92. In an exemplary embodiment, a cam follower includes a capmember 100 to retain the cam follower 64 within drive slot 92.

In an exemplary embodiment, the driven member 74 is mounted inrotational supporting connection with the cam member 96. FIG. 4 shows, ahand guard 102 is utilized to shield the driver 70, the driven member74, and the cam follower 64.

In the exemplary embodiment, a first pivot pin 110 is mounted insupporting connection near a second end 112 of the tubular member 52,and extends outwardly therefrom. The pivot pin is operable to movewithin a generally vertical opening 114 formed in the first mountingplate 50. The vertical movement of pivot pin 110 is coordinated withmovement of the cam follower 64 in cam groove 68. In an exemplaryembodiment, a guide member 116 is mounted in supporting connection withthe first mounting plate 50. Guide member includes a vertical slot 118.The vertical slot 56 is operably co-extensive with vertical slot 118.Guide member 116 of the exemplary embodiment provides for precise guidedvertical movement of pivot pin 110. Displacement of pivot pin 110 islimited to essentially upward and downward vertical movement, as itrotates about its axis 120. The tubular member 52 is operable to pivotabout the axis 120 of pivot pin 110 as directed by movement of camfollower 64.

With reference to FIG. 4, in an exemplary embodiment, a second pivot pin122 is mounted in supporting connection with the tubular member 52 andextends outwardly therefrom. The second pivot pin 122 is disposed inalignment with and diametrically opposite the first pivot pin 110 sothat first and second pivot pins share a common pivot axis 120. Secondpivot pin 122 extends through a vertical opening 124 in the secondmounting plate 59 (see FIG. 3). In the exemplary embodiment, a secondguide member 126 is mounted in supporting connection with the secondmounting plate. The vertical opening 124 is operably co-extensive with avertical slot 128 in the second guide member 126. In other exemplaryembodiments, the first and second pivot pins 110, 122 may comprise aunitary body. Of course in other embodiments other approaches may beused.

With reference to FIG. 5A, in an exemplary embodiment, cam groove 68includes a first region 130, a second region 132, and a third region134. FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B illustrate movement of the cam follower 64 inthe first region 130 which provides mostly vertical displacement of thetubular member 52. The initial vertical movement of the tubular member52 provides sufficient clearance for a circumferential sealing member144 carried at the lowermost edge of the tubular member to movelaterally away from a sealing member 146 disposed at the interface site49. As illustrated in FIG. 5 b and 5C, movement of the cam follower 64in the second region 132 causes mostly pivotal movement of tubularmember 52. Movement of the cam follower 64 in the third region 134provides downward angled displacement of tubular member 52, as shown inFIG. 5C and FIG. 5D. In an exemplary embodiment, sealing member 148 iscarried on a tubular sleeve 158 mounted in supporting connection with asupport plate 160 to facilitate movement of the carrier 18 into and outof the tubular member 52. (See FIG. 3).

The sequence from FIG. 5A to FIG. 5D illustrates the movement of camfollower 64 as it traverses the cam groove in a first manner wherebytubular member 52 moves vertically and pivotally in concerted movementbetween the first vertical position and the second oblique position.When the cam follower traverses cam groove in a second manner,substantially reverse to the first manner, the tubular member movesvertically and pivotally in concerted movement from the second obliqueposition to the first vertical position.

In the exemplary embodiment, a sealing member 144 is a generally annularmember that extends circumferentially and is mounted in supportingconnection with tubular member 52 at the first end 58. As indicated inFIG. 5A, sealing member 144 cooperates with an annular sealing member146 to operably seal the interface site 49 when the tubular member isengaged therewith in the first vertical position. With reference to FIG.5D, in the oblique presentation position sealing member 144 cooperateswith an annular sealing member 148 to provide an operative seal betweentubular member 52 and tubular sleeve 158, as will be discussed infurther detail below.

As the tubular member is disposed vertically from the first position byaction of the cam follower in the cam groove, the sealing member 144 isdisengaged from seal member 146 the interface site 49. In the reverseaction, when tubular member is returned to the vertical position, thesealing member 144 again contacts sealing member 146 to operably sealthe interface site 49.

With particular reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, in an exemplary embodiment,the pivot assembly 40 further includes a tube extension assembly 150that is sealingly engaged with tubular member 52 at the upper, secondend 112. Tube extension assembly 150 includes a flexible tube and isoperable to provide air flow communication between tubular member 52 andan air supply assembly 46 as will be disclosed in greater detail below.In general terms, the air supply assembly 46 is operable to apply andrelease pressure differentials adapted to move the carrier in the tubeof the pneumatic transport system. In an exemplary embodiment, tubeextension 150 may include a rigid elbow member 152 and a flexible tubeor member 154. This construction is merely exemplary and otherconstructions may be operable to fulfill substantially the samefunctions. Flexible tube member 154 permits tubular member 52 to movevertically and pivotally while maintaining a generally airtightconnection between the air supply assembly 46 and the pivot assembly 40.

With particular reference to FIG. 3 and FIG. 5D, in an exemplaryembodiment, a tubular sleeve 158 is utilized to direct movement ofcarrier 18 between the tubular member 52 and the carrier cradle assembly20. When the tubular member 52 is in the second, oblique position,tubular member 52 cooperates with tubular sleeve 158 to form asubstantially continuous conduit for passage of the carrier. In thisexemplary embodiment, tubular sleeve 158 is mounted in supportingrelationship with a support plate 160 that extends between first andsecond mounting plates 50, 59 In the exemplary embodiment, alongitudinal axis of tubular sleeve 158 is substantially aligned withaxis 53 when the tubular member 52 is in the second, oblique position,illustrated in phantom in FIG. 5D. A sealing member 148 is mounted insupporting connection with tubular sleeve 158 to effectuate a generallyfluid tight seal between tubular sleeve and tubular member 52 when thetubular member is in the oblique position.

In an exemplary embodiment, a second tubular sleeve 162 is supported bysupport plate 164 that extends between first and second mounting plates50, 59. The sealing member 146 at interface site 49 is carried ontubular sleeve 162. In this exemplary embodiment, a longitudinal axis oftubular sleeve 162 is substantially aligned with axis 53 when thetubular member 52 is in the first, substantially vertical position.

In an exemplary embodiment, customer terminal 14 includes a carriercradle assembly 20 mounted in supporting connection with the pivotassembly 40. In the exemplary embodiment, the cradle assembly 20 ismounted in supporting connection with the mounting plates 50, 59 thatalso support pivot assembly 40. In this embodiment, the first and secondmounting plates each include outwardly directed flanges 172 to which thecarrier cradle assembly 20 is mounted. This mounting arrangement ismerely exemplary and other mounting arrangements for mounting thecarrier cradle assembly 20 are contemplated in other embodiments.

An exemplary carrier cradle assembly 20 is more fully described withreference to FIGS. 6A and 6B. In an exemplary embodiment, the cradleassembly 20 includes a cradle body 176 and a mounting bracket 178. Thecradle assembly, which may alternatively be referred to as a cradle isoperative to support a carrier in a position where the carrier ismanually accessible from outside the terminal. A resilient arrival pad180 is disposed at the distal end of the cradle body 176 to cushion thedescent of the carrier. The exemplary cradle body 176 comprises alightweight, construction including spaced glides 182, 183 to directpositioning of the carrier 18. In the exemplary embodiment, theforward-most glides 183 are curved toward the frame member 26 tofacilitate clearance for protrusions, such as a mirror, on an adjacentuser's vehicle. The mounting bracket 178 includes a generally arcuateportion 179 that partially encircles tubular sleeve 158 when the carriercradle assembly 20 is in an initial position, as shown in FIG. 6A. Inthe exemplary embodiment, the mounting bracket 178 does not completelyencircle tubular sleeve 158 in order to allow operation of a flexmechanism 184 as more fully described below with reference to FIG. 6B.

In an exemplary embodiment, the carrier cradle assembly 20 includes amounting mechanism for movably attaching the mounting bracket 178 to thepivot assembly. In an exemplary embodiment, the mounting mechanismincludes a flex mechanism generally indicated 184. In general terms, theexemplary flex mechanism 184 biasingly holds the cradle body in aposition aligned with the tubular sleeve, but is operable to permit apredetermined range of motion of the cradle body 176 relative to theframe 26 to prevent significant structural damage to the customerterminal 14 upon application of relatively minor impact forces. Forexample, if the cradle body 176 is moved as a result of being struck byan applied force, such as by a vehicle mirror, indicated by arrow 185 inFIG. 6A, the cradle body 176 will deflect from its initial position andrebound after the force is removed without sustaining structural damage,as illustrated in FIG. 6B.

In an exemplary embodiment, the flex mechanism 184 includes a firstspring assembly 186 comprising a spring member 188, a pin member 190,and a spring compression member such as a washer 192. In exemplaryembodiments, the flex mechanism 184 may include a second spring assembly186′ substantially identical to the first spring assembly 186, andpositioned on an opposite side of the cradle assembly (best seen in FIG.3). As illustrated, in the exemplary embodiment, the distal end 194 ofthe cradle body 176 is free, i.e., it is not directly supported by othercomponents, thus enabling the flexing movement.

With reference to FIG. 6A, the construction of first spring assembly 186provides for a predetermined gap, G, between the planar extension 172and the washer 192. Movement of cradle body 176 relative to the mountingplate 50, such as by contact with a vehicle mirror, causes washer 192 tocompress spring member 188, as shown in FIG. 6B. In the exemplaryembodiment, about 18 pounds of force will result in the spring memberbottoming out, which in the exemplary embodiment corresponds to a shiftof up to about 15 degrees of the axis of the cradle body 176, asindicated by angle β. Thus the cradle body can withstand a relativelyminor force acting upon it without breakage due to the presence of theflex mechanism. Upon removal of the force, the spring member reboundsand the cradle body is returned to its initial position.

In an exemplary embodiment, the carrier cradle assembly 20 may include abreak-away feature including at least one frangible portion, whereby aforce greater than a threshold value exerted on the cradle body 176causes the mounting bracket 178 to break before the pivot assembly orother pneumatic transport system components sustain significantstructural damage. In the exemplary embodiment, the mounting bracket 178comprises a frangible portion which is also referred to as a frangiblemember 196 which is adapted to interface with the cradle body 176. In anexemplary embodiment, frangible member 196 comprises a layer of plasticmaterial that retains the uppermost end of the cradle body 176. Ofcourse this frangible portion and structure is merely exemplary.Frangible member 196 is operable to fracture under force before themounting plates 50, 59 or the planar extensions 172 break or permanentlydeform. In the exemplary embodiment, the threshold value for fracture ofthe frangible member is about 300 pounds. If enough force is directed tothe cradle body 176, the frangible member 196 fractures and releasescradle body 176 from the remaining structure of the customer terminal.After such an occurrence, the exemplary customer terminal may be readilyrepaired by removing the remainder of the mounting bracket 178 from themounting plates 50, 59 and attaching a new carrier cradle assembly 20 inits place. Thus, damage to the impact object, such as a user's vehicle,and to the customer terminal is limited.

In an exemplary embodiment of a pneumatic transport system 10, thecustomer terminal 14 is adapted for use in new construction applicationsas well as retrofit applications. In the exemplary embodiment, the airsupply assembly 46 which operates to apply differential pressure to thepneumatic transport system, includes a single blower assembly 200situated within the customer terminal 14. In an exemplary embodiment,shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, frame 26 of customer terminal 14 includes abottom mount plate 210 having forward and rearward open regions 212,214, respectively. The exemplary customer terminal 14 is operable toselectively receive the customer end 16A (not shown) of the pneumatictransport tube 16 through either the forward open region 212 or therearward open region 214.

The frame 26 includes a forward wall portion 220 and a rearward wallportion 222. The forward wall portion 220 comprises a first blowerhousing mounting site 226 and the rearward wall portion 222 comprises asecond blower housing mounting site 228. Each site includes suitableholes, clips or other fastener portions that enable mounting the blowerhousing at the site. The blower housing 230 is selectively mounted tothe frame member 26 depending upon where the customer end 16A of thepneumatic tube is located. If the customer end 16A is received throughthe forward open region 212, the blower housing 230 may be mounted insupporting connection with the rearward wall portion 222 at the secondmounting site 228, as illustrated in FIG. 7B. Alternately, if thecustomer end 16A is received through the rearward open region 214, theblower housing 230 may be mounted in supporting connection with theforward wall portion 220 at the first mounting site 226. In theexemplary embodiment, the interface site 49 with the pivot assemblyremains the same regardless of the position of customer end 16A, and thecomponents carried in the upper region of frame member 26 occupy similarpositions regardless of the placement of the blower housing 230. Thetube segment 48 that extends between the interface site 49 and thecustomer end 16A is appropriately configured, which may be through theuse of flexible or segmented tubing.

In an exemplary pneumatic transport tube system 10, the carrier 18 ismoved throughout the system responsive to operation of a blower motorwhich is part of an air supply assembly 46. With reference to FIG. 1, inthe exemplary embodiment, the air supply assembly 46 is situated in thecustomer terminal 14. In an exemplary embodiment, the air supplyassembly includes a blower assembly 200, a diverter valve assembly 234,and a tube section 236 extending between the blower assembly 200 and thediverter valve assembly 234. The diverter valve assembly 234 is adaptedfor operable connection with the tube extension assembly 150 through anopening in the support surface 44. The exemplary blower assemblyincludes a blower housing 230 and a blower motor 238. In the exemplaryembodiment, the diverter valve assembly 234 cooperates with the blowermotor 238 to provide first and second pressure differentials to thesystem 10. When the diverter valve assembly occupies a firstconfiguration, the blower motor operates in a vacuum mode to apply thefirst pressure differential. When the diverter valve assembly occupies asecond configuration, the blower motor operates in a pressure mode toapply the second pressure differential. The exemplary diverter valveassembly 234 essentially directs the air flow out of (vacuum mode) or into (pressure mode) the pivot assembly via the tube extension assembly.

In an alternate embodiment, the air supply assembly 46 includes a blowerassembly 200 wherein a valve assembly 242 is positioned in a blowerhousing 230 including at least two chambers 244, 246. The valve assembly242 directs air flow within the housing through the chambers toalternate the differential pressure applied by the blower between thevacuum mode to positive pressure mode. This alternate exemplary blowerassembly is illustrated in FIG. 8. The exemplary valve assembly 242includes a pivot valve 250 rotatable on a shaft 252 responsive to amotor 254. When the pivot valve 250 is in a first configuration, theblower assembly operates in a vacuum mode to supply the first pressuredifferential. When the pivot valve 250 is in a second configuration, theblower assembly operates in a positive pressure mode to supply thesecond pressure differential.

In an exemplary embodiment the cycling operation of the valve assembly242 between positive pressure mode and vacuum mode may be monitored by amonitoring system including sensors and at least one processor. Thecycling of the system may be monitored in accordance with theprogramming of the processor and provide appropriate outputs in order toanticipate the need for servicing or replacing components. The monitoredoperations may be compared with predetermined blower fan stress data tocalculate and predict the time of an expected future failure. This maybe done for example, by sensing and monitoring through appropriatesensors and programming of the processor, parameters such as the numberof cycles, differential pressure; absolute pressure, motor speed, fandeformation, strain, vibration and other measurable properties. The atleast one processor may operate in accordance with its programming toprovide outputs indicative of impending problems or failures. Forexample in some embodiments, the at least one processor may operate toexecute instructions stored in at least one data store which areoperative to predict a future failure of the motor, fan blades, valveassembly or other components. In exemplary embodiments the at least oneprocessor may operate to provide one or more outputs to indicate thenature of the probably failure at a time before the failure occurs. Thismay be done locally by the processor causing an output through an outputdevice such as a local display. Alternatively or in addition, the atleast one processor may operate to cause one or more messages to be sentto a remote site concerning the probable future failure and/or the timethereof.

For example in some embodiments, one or more sensors may be used tosense properties which are indicative of failure. These sensors mayinclude for example sensors that sense the current draw of the motor.Further sensors may include pressure sensors that sense the level ofpressure or vacuum produced by the blower. In still other embodimentssensors may include sensors operative to detect a level of vibrationwhich exists during operation of the blower. In still other embodimentssensors may include strain sensors that are operative to detectdeformation in stationary parts such as motor mounts, or in moving partssuch as fan blades. Of course these sensors are exemplary of the typesof sensors that may be used.

In some embodiments the sensors may be operatively connected throughappropriate interfaces to the processor. The one or more computerprograms executed in the processor may be operative to predict a time offuture failure based on data corresponding to the sensed parameters. Forexample, values such as the number of cycles that a unit undergoes,stress and strains sensed in components, vibratory properties, and thelevel of pressure and vacuum produced along with changes in these sensedproperties over time, may be analyzed. A program which compares currentparameters to those parameters which correspond to current or futurefailures may cause the processor to provide one or more signalsindicative of a probable failure of one or more components associatedwith the blower assembly at a particular time in the future. Thisinformation may be checked periodically by a technician or may beprovided by the at least one processor automatically.

In some embodiments the at least one processor may also be programmed tosense changes which are indicative of a current or near current failure.Such changes may be associated with a single parameter or combinationsof multiple parameters. In such embodiments the at least one processormay be operative in accordance with its programming to carry out programsteps. Such program steps may include for example, providing outputs andnotifications either locally or remotely to servicers. Alternatively orin addition the at least one processor may change the operation of thesystem to reduce the risk of serious damage such as by modifyingoperation of certain components. Alternatively and/or in addition, theat least one processor may operate to shut down operation of the systemor certain components as appropriate. Of course these approaches areexemplary.

Also, in alternative embodiments the at least one processor may operatein accordance with its programming to control motor speed. For example,the speed of the motor may be varied prior to switching between vacuumand pressure mode to reduce stress on the fan blades.

For example as can be appreciated, switching the valve mechanism betweenthe pressure and vacuum modes may in some embodiments cause stress onfan blades and other air moving components. In situations where thedegree of force is changed rapidly the change may act as a shock orimpact force which deforms the blades and may eventually hasten failure.In some embodiments the at least one processor may operate in accordancewith its programming to reduce such forces by changing motor speeds asappropriate to minimize the adverse impacts of such loading. This mayinclude for example reducing motor speeds during changes in valveconditions so as to reduce the amount of shock loading and deformationof fan blades or other structures. Alternatively and/or in addition theat least one processor may operate to control fan speed so that itcorresponds to certain frequency parameters of the system so as toreduce the stresses that are applied. In still other embodiments the atleast one processor may operate to trim the air flow and tailor therates of flow as appropriate for the particular position and/or movementof the carrier at a particular time. This may include for example,initially operating so that there is less differential pressure forcepushing the carrier downward in the tube as the carrier will tend tomove downward by gravity. However, the at least one processor mayoperate to increase air flow and/or pressure force as necessary to movethe carrier around a bend and/or horizontally through the pneumatic tuberun as the carrier moves toward the other terminal. Of course theseapproaches are exemplary and in other embodiments other approaches maybe used.

In still other exemplary embodiments the blower motor 238 may be aswitched reluctance blower motor such as an Infin-A-tek® motor availablefrom Ametek Inc., Lamb Electric Division, Kent, Ohio. The switchedreluctance blower motor may offer advantages over brush-type motors usedin some pneumatic transport systems. For example, traditional brushmotor blowers provide approximately 500 hours of blower life, whereasthe exemplary switched reluctance blower motor offers approximately 6000hours of blower life. In other embodiments of the pneumatic transportsystem conventional blower motors may be utilized to provide thenecessary pressure differentials to the system.

With reference to FIG. 9, in an exemplary embodiment of customerterminal 14, in the pivot assembly 40, the pivot motor 78 is operable torotate driver 70 which acts on driven member 74 to move cam follower 64within cam groove 68. The pivot motor 78 is operable in first and secondangular directions to ultimately direct movement of the cam follower 64.In the exemplary embodiment, pivot motor 78 is operably connected withan H-bridge motor control integrated circuit (IC), generally denoted260, with current sense output 262 to detect and indicate a stallcondition of the pivot motor 78. In the exemplary embodiment, the pivotstall detection circuit sensitivity is 377 μA per Amp. When the currentsense output 262 exceeds 1318 μA (3.50 Amp motor current), V(stall) 264,will exceed V(Ref)(Pivot) 266, which in the exemplary embodiment is 2.90V DC. As will be explained in further detail below, in exemplaryembodiments, the current sense output 262 may also be utilized to detecta stall condition in the motor that operates the door assembly of theoperator terminal.

An exemplary embodiment of a customer terminal 14 may also include asupport plate 268 as shown in supported connection with the pivotassembly 40 in FIG. 2 and in greater detail in FIG. 10. An infrared (IR)hand sensor 270, as will be explained in further detail below, may besupported on support plate 268. Other components such as a microphoneassembly 272, an instrument panel 273, and a call/send sensor plate 274may be supported on the support plate 268 as well. Instrument panel 273supports electronic connections to provide call and send functions aswill be explained in greater detail below.

With reference to FIGS. 1 and 11, an exemplary customer terminal 14includes a front fascia 34 to cover certain components. The exemplarycustomer terminal 14 includes a speaker assembly 284, a camera assembly286, and a video display assembly 288. These components enableinteraction between a user and an operator or teller at a remotelocation.

With reference to FIGS. 12-15, an exemplary embodiment of the pneumatictransport system includes an exemplary operator terminal 12 comprising adifferent construction than the customer terminal. In the exemplaryembodiment, operator terminal 12 is situated within a bank or otherfinancial institution at a position remote from a customer terminal andis operated by a teller or other bank employee, to selectively transporta carrier between the customer terminal and the operator terminal. Thecustomer terminal may be of the type previously described herein, butother customer terminals may be used in systems with the exemplaryoperator terminal. As previously mentioned a banking application ismerely exemplary of transaction environments in which such systems maybe used.

An exemplary embodiment of the operator terminal 12 includes a frame 300having a front surface 302 disposed toward a front of the operatorterminal. Frame 300 includes a bottom open region 303 adapted to receivethe operator end 16B of the pneumatic transport tube 16 (See FIG. 1).Access to a carrier 18 is provided through a carrier access opening 304in an upper region of the frame member. Frame member 300 includes anupper mounting surface 305 for supporting a door assembly 306, andplanar flanges 309 and a front edge 310 for supporting a catch assembly312, as will be explained in greater detail below.

In general terms, the operator terminal 12 includes a door assembly 306,mounted in supporting connection with the frame 300 to selectively openand close the access opening 304. The exemplary operator terminal 12also includes a catch assembly 312 mounted in supporting relation withthe frame 300 immediately below the door assembly 306. When the carrier18 is received into the exemplary operator terminal 12, the catchassembly 312 is operable to selectively prevent downward movement of thecarrier. The exemplary operator terminal also includes a panel assembly314 which comprises one or more operator terminal components. In theexemplary embodiment, the panel assembly is selectively movable relativethe front surface 302 of the frame 300 as will be explained in furtherdetail below.

The exemplary operator terminal 12 further includes a front fascia 316to provide an attractive appearance to the terminal and to cover certainelements of the operator terminal. Control and input devices such ascall and send buttons, as well as an on/off switch may be supported onan instrument panel 318. Of course these devices are exemplary.

An exemplary embodiment of door assembly 306 includes a support frame320 comprising frame elements 320 a, 320 b, 320 c, 320 d, and 320 e.Support frame 320 is mounted to frame 300 by joining 320 c to uppermounting surface 305. Door assembly 306 includes a door drive mechanism322 and a door member 324. Door member 324 is selectively rotatableabout a vertical axis 326 responsive to the drive mechanism 322 betweenan open position, shown in FIG. 15 and a closed position, shown in FIG.1 to thereby selectively open and close the access opening 304.

In the exemplary embodiment, the door member 324 comprises a generallyopen-ended cylindrical body 332 having an elongated opening 334 therein.When the door member is in the open position, the opening 334 isdisposed toward the front of the operator terminal 12 and when the doormember 324 is in the closed position the opening 334 is disposed awayfrom the front of the operator terminal.

In the exemplary embodiment, the drive mechanism 322 includes a sprocketmember 328 that is rotatable about an axis generally parallel to thevertical axis 326 of the door member 324. A drive tape 330 engages thesprocket member 328 and circumferentially engages the door member 324,as illustrated in FIG. 13. In the exemplary embodiment, the drive tape330 is securely fixed to the door member 324 and extends in acircumferential groove 336 formed in the door member 324 near an upperend thereof, although other constructions may be used in otherembodiments.

The sprocket member 328 is operatively connected to a motor 338 that isoperable to selectively drive the sprocket member 328 in forward andreverse angular directions in order to move the door member 324 betweenthe open and closed positions. With reference again to FIG. 9, in anexemplary embodiment, the motor 338 is operably connected with anH-bridge motor control integrated circuit (IC) with current sense output262 to detect a stall condition of the motor 338. The IC may be similarto that used to detect and provide at least one output indicative of astall condition of the pivot motor 78. In the exemplary embodiment, thedoor stall detection circuit sensitivity is 377 μA per Amp. When thecurrent sense output 262 exceeds 346 μA (0.92 Amp motor current),V(stall) 264 will exceed V(Ref)(Door) 340, which in the exemplaryembodiment is 0.76V.

To facilitate movement of the drive tape 330, the exemplary drivemechanism 322 includes a guide block member 342 adjacent the sprocketmember 328 that includes an arcuate groove 343 therein. The drive tape330 is slidable within the groove 343.

The exemplary door assembly 306 may also include a door back member 344mounted in supporting connection with the support frame 320 and disposedgenerally rearwardly of the door member 324. The back door member 344comprises an arcuate body adapted for adjacent relationship with thedoor member 324. In the exemplary embodiment, the door back member isdimensioned to cover the elongated opening 334 when the door member 324is in the closed position.

The exemplary door assembly 306 may also include an arrival pad 348comprised of resilient material and disposed in the interior of the doormember 324 at the upper end to cushion the arrival of the carrier 18within the operator terminal 12.

In the exemplary operator terminal 12, the catch assembly 312 mayinclude a support element 350 which incorporates a tubular portion 352.The tubular portion is in flow communication with the operator end 16Bof the pneumatic transport tube and is dimensioned for passage of thecarrier 18 therethrough. The catch assembly 312 includes a catchmechanism 354 to selectively support and maintain carrier 18 in a useraccessible position in the operator terminal 12. Catch mechanism 354includes a movable catch member 356 operative to selectively extendinwardly into an interior 358 of the tubular portion 352. In anexemplary embodiment, the catch member 356 is movable responsive tooperation of a solenoid 360 mounted in supporting connection withsupport element 350. Generally planar support flanges 309 disposed atthe rear of frame member 300 are utilized to hold support element 350. Afront portion of support element 350 is adapted to rest on a front edge310 of the frame member 300. In the exemplary embodiment, supportelement 350 also supports door back member 344.

In the exemplary embodiment, the operator terminal also includes anadjustable coupling sleeve 364 which operates to connect the tubularportion 352 with the operator terminal end 16B of the pneumatictransport tube. In the exemplary embodiment, the coupling sleeve 364includes an adjustment mechanism 366 so that the diameter of thecoupling sleeve 364 may be adjusted for ease of selective operativeconnection of the tubular portion 352 of the catch assembly 312 with theoperator end 16B.

In an exemplary operator terminal 12, an exemplary panel assembly 314includes a component panel 368 having a mounting surface 370 which isrearwardly disposed when the component panel 314 is selectivelypositioned in the operational position. The operator terminal 12includes one or more components that are carried on the component panel368. The components may include, for example, a power supply assembly372, a control circuit 374, line filters 370, and other components suchas power cords and circuit breakers. Various wires, cables or otherconnecting devices extend from the component panel 368 to sensors,detectors, motors, solenoids, and the like, as used for operation of thesystem. In the exemplary embodiment, the operator terminal 12 includes acable connection extending between the control circuit 374, and acontrollable mechanism, such as door drive mechanism 322. Othercontrollable mechanisms may include the catch mechanism 354. In theexemplary embodiment, the operator terminal includes a plurality ofcable connections extending from the control circuit to the variouscontrollable mechanisms.

The exemplary operator terminal 12 includes a front fascia 316 thatcovers the component panel 368. In the exemplary embodiment, frontfascia 316 is releasably secured to the component panel 368 at an upperend and selectively secured to the frame member 300 at a lower end.

In the exemplary embodiment, certain components carried on the componentpanel 368 such as the control circuit 374 and power supply assembly 372are not accessible from the front of the operator terminal 12 when thepanel assembly 312 is in the operational position. However, when thepanel assembly 312 is in the service position, removed from closeadjacent position with the frame member 300, the components areaccessible from the front of the operator terminal for servicing,replacement, and routine maintenance.

The exemplary embodiment of the operator terminal 12 further includes atop cover 392 removably mounted in supporting connection with the framemember 300 in a covering relationship with the support frame 320.

In the exemplary embodiment, frame 300 is generally open at the bottomend to accommodate the operator terminal end 16B. The exemplaryembodiment may include a plurality of adjustable leg levelers 394mounted to a bottom surface of the frame 300. Of course these structuresare exemplary.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, there is provided a methodfor operating a pneumatic transport system 10. The method includesoperating a pivot assembly 40 of an up receive/down send customerterminal 14 to place a tubular member 52 into a first substantiallyvertical position axially aligned and in operative connection with acustomer terminal end 16A of a pneumatic transport tube 16, so that acarrier 18 can be received through a first open end 58 of the tubularmember 52. In a usual scenario, the first vertical position is thedefault position for the tubular member 52.

The exemplary method includes operating an air supply assembly to applya first pressure differential across the carrier 18 to move the carrier18 in a vertically upward direction from the pneumatic transport tubeinto the tubular member 52 and then to maintain the carrier 18 in thetubular member 52. The application of the first pressure differentialmay be initiated by a user activating a “call” button on a userinterface on the customer terminal. Alternately, the action may beinitiated by an operator, or teller, activating a “send” button on anoperator terminal. The first pressure differential relates to operationof the control circuitry responsive to the at least one user input,causing the air supply assembly, housed in the customer terminal, tooperate in a vacuum mode. This operation lowers the pressure ahead ofthe carrier which causes the ambient air pressure to act behind thecarrier to move it through the transport tube and into the tubularmember 52.

In the exemplary method, the tubular member 52, with the carrier 18inside, is vertically and pivotally displaced in concerted motion fromthe first substantially vertical position to a second oblique position.In the second position of exemplary embodiments, the longitudinal axisof the tubular member 52 is disposed at an angle between 25°-35° to thevertical. The first pressure differential maintains the carrier 18within the tubular member 52 as it is moved between the verticalposition and the angular position which corresponds to a presentationposition. As the tubular member 52 is moved, a sealing member 144 thatis circumferentially disposed at the lower end of the tubular member 52,is disengaged from operable connection with the transport tube at aninterface site 49.

After the tubular member 52 has moved to the second position, the firstpressure differential is no longer applied responsive to operation ofthe control circuitry. The carrier 18 is thereby allowed to dropresponsive to gravity in an angled downward direction from within thetubular member 52 to a position so that it is accessible to a user fromoutside the tubular member 52. The carrier 18 may descend through thetubular sleeve 158 and be supported with a carrier cradle assembly 20 inthe presented position. In the exemplary embodiment, an uppermostportion of the carrier 18 may be retained in the tubular sleeve 158 whenit is in the presentation position. When the tubular member 52 is in thesecond, oblique position, the sealing member 144 carried on its lowerend is sealingly engaged with the tubular sleeve 158, or with a sealingmember 148 carried on the tubular sleeve 158. Of course this approach isexemplary.

The carrier 18 may be removed from the carrier cradle assembly 20 by auser in order for the user to perform a transaction activity. This mayinclude for example, placing items inside, removing items from, orinputting data or receiving output data from the carrier. To continuethe transaction, the carrier 18 is returned to the presented position insupporting connection with the cradle assembly. In the exemplaryembodiment the carrier is positioned by the user such that the upper endof the carrier body extends in the tubular sleeve 158 with the outercircumference of a seal supported on an upper end of the carrier bodygenerally in circumferential engagement with the inside diameter of thesleeve. This enables the carrier to be moved from the presented positionresponsive to the application of differential pressure.

The exemplary method further includes operating the air supply assembly46 to again apply the first pressure differential across the carrier 18to move the carrier 18 in an angled upward direction from the presentedposition into the tubular member 52 and to hold the carrier 18 in thetubular member 52. This includes drawing a vacuum in the area on top ofthe carrier so that ambient air pressure moves the carrier into tubularmember 52. Operation of the air supply assembly 46 to provide the firstpressure differential may be commenced by the user pressing a “send”button of the user interface. In an exemplary embodiment the controlcircuitry may operate so that the application of the pressuredifferential may be slightly delayed in order to allow the usersufficient time to retract his or her hand. An infrared (IR) hand sensor270 may operate to sense objects adjacent to the carrier and inconjunction with control circuitry may operate to prevent application ofthe first pressure differential until the user's hand is no longerdetected. Of course, other or additional sensing means may be utilizedin other embodiments. Alternately, the operator, or teller, may operatethe air supply assembly 46 by activating a “call” button on the operatorterminal 12.

The exemplary method includes substantially reversing the operation ofthe pivot assembly 40 from that previously described so that the tubularmember 52 is vertically and pivotally displaced in concerted motion fromthe second oblique position to the first substantially verticalposition.

With the tubular member 52 in the vertical position the air supplyassembly 46 is operated to apply a second pressure differential acrossthe carrier 18. This positive pressure moves the carrier 18 in avertically downward direction from within the tubular member 52 and intothe pneumatic transport tube 16. The second pressure differential ismaintained so that the carrier 18 is moved through the horizontal run ofthe pneumatic transport tube and vertically upward into a remoteoperator terminal 12 in operative connection with an operator end 16B ofthe pneumatic transport tube 16. In this exemplary embodiment a positivepressure is applied behind the carrier so that the carrier moves inresponse thereto to the operator terminal.

In the exemplary method, a catch mechanism 354 of a catch assembly 312in the operator terminal 12 is selectively operated to prevent thecarrier 18 from moving downward within the operator terminal once it hasreached an operator accessible position therein. When the carrier issensed by a suitable sensor in the operator accessible position thecontrol circuitry operates so that the application of the secondpressure differential is removed. A door assembly 306 is then operatedin order to selectively open a carrier access opening 304 in theoperator terminal.

In the exemplary embodiment the operation of the catch mechanism 354,the removal of the second pressure differential, and operation of thedoor assembly 306 may be performed responsive to the control circuitryin automated coordination. The catch mechanism 354 may operateresponsive to detection of the arrival of the carrier 18 within theterminal by a suitable contact or contactless sensor to cause a catchmember 356 to extend inwardly into a tubular portion 352 of a catchassembly 312 beneath the carrier 18. Substantially simultaneously, thesecond pressure differential may be removed. After detection that thesecond pressure differential is removed, the door assembly 306 mayoperate to selectively open the access opening 304. Further, the catchmember 356 may bias an upper end of the carrier 18 toward the accessopening 304 so that when the access opening is opened, the top of thecarrier 18 extends outwardly toward the front of the operator terminal(see FIG. 15). Of course this approach is exemplary.

The operator, such as a teller, may remove the carrier 18 from theoperator terminal in order to perform transaction activity. Later, if itis necessary to continue the transaction to send items to the customerat the customer terminal, the operator may place items in the carrier,and place the carrier 18 through the access opening 304 so that thelower end of the carrier 18 contacts the catch member 356.

In the exemplary method, the door assembly 306 is operated responsive toat least one input to an input device to selectively close the accessopening by rotating the door member 324 so that the elongated opening334 is disposed away from the front of the operator terminal. The firstpressure differential is thereafter applied across the carrier 18.Substantially simultaneously, the catch mechanism 354 is operated tomove the catch member 356 away from the interior of the tubular portion352, freeing the carrier 18 for downward movement within and out of theoperator terminal 12. This activity may be carried out by the controlcircuitry responsive to the operator, or teller, activating a “send”button on the operator terminal. Alternately, this activity may becommenced by a user activating a “call” button on the customer terminal.The carrier 18 is transported through the pneumatic tube and receivedwithin the customer terminal. The pivot assembly 40 is then operated asearlier described to move the tubular member 52 from the first(vertical) position to the second (angled) position to present thecarrier to the user.

Operation of the exemplary pivot assembly 40 includes moving a drivermotor 78 in a first angular direction and rotating a driver or sprocket70 responsive to the motor 78. The driven member 74 is rotatedresponsive to the rotation of the driver 70. A cam follower 64, insupporting connection with the tubular member 52 and extending through adrive slot 92 in the driven member 74, traverses a cam groove 68 in afirst manner responsive to rotation of the driven member 74. Inconcerted movement with the cam follower 64, the pivot pin 110 insupporting connection with the tubular member 52 rides in a verticalopening 114 in a mounting plate 50. As the cam follower 64 traverses thecam groove 68, the tubular member 52 is vertically and pivotallydisplaced from the first position to the second position.

In the exemplary method, the movement of the tubular member 52 issubstantially reversed responsive to the control circuitry, by drivingthe driver motor 78 in a second angular direction, and causing thedriver 70 to rotate in a reverse manner. The driven member 74 rotatesresponsive to the driver 70, causing the cam follower 64 to traverse thecam groove 68 in a second manner, substantially reverse to the firstmanner. The pivot pin 110 rides in the vertical opening 114 in concertedmovement with the cam follower 64, whereby the tubular member 52 isvertically and pivotally displaced between the second position and thefirst position.

An exemplary method includes controlling and monitoring the driver motor78 with an H-bridge motor control integrated circuit 260 comprising acurrent sense output 262 operative to detect a stall condition in thedriver motor 78. In exemplary embodiments the control circuitry isoperative responsive to detecting the stall condition to discontinuesupplying power to the motor which prevents damage to the motor or otherconnected components. Further, in some exemplary embodiments the controlcircuitry may be operative to send one or more signals which cause alocal or remote output indicating the malfunction. In still otherembodiments the control circuitry may take other appropriate correctiveaction. This may include for example reversing the direction of themotor in an attempt to release the mechanism from the stall condition.Of course these approaches are exemplary and in other embodiments otherapproaches may be used.

In an exemplary method, operation of the air supply assembly 46 includesutilizing a diverter valve assembly 234 in a first configuration toprovide the first pressure differential wherein a blower motor 238 isoperated in a vacuum mode. The diverter valve assembly 234 is operatedin a second configuration to provide the second pressure differentialwherein the blower motor 238 is operated in a pressure mode.

In an alternate exemplary method, operation of the air supply assembly46 includes utilizing a valve assembly 242 in a blower housing 230 toalternately operate the blower motor 238 in vacuum and pressure modes.The valve assembly 242 operably pivots between first and secondconfigurations. When the valve assembly 242 is in the firstconfiguration, the blower motor 238 operates in the vacuum mode tosupply the first pressure differential. When the valve assembly 242 isin the second configuration, the blower motor 238 operates in a pressuremode to supply the second pressure differential.

In an exemplary method, operation of the door assembly 306 includesdriving a door drive motor 338 in a first angular direction and rotatinga sprocket 328 responsive to the motor 338. A drive tape 330, operablyengaged with the sprocket 328, moves a cylindrical door member 324 froma closed position to an open position. Moving the door member 324 to anopen position includes positioning an elongated opening 334 in the doormember 324 toward the front of the operator terminal whereby an accessopening 304 in the operator terminal is opened. An exemplary method alsoincludes utilizing a guide block 342 having an arcuate groove 343therein to guide movement of the drive tape 330.

An exemplary method includes controlling and monitoring the drive motor338 with an H-bridge motor control integrated circuit 260 comprising acurrent sense output 262 operative to detect a stall condition in thedoor drive motor 338. In an exemplary method, a similar current senseoutput 262 is utilized to detect a stall condition in the pivot drivermotor 78 and the door drive motor 338. During operation of the drivermotor 78 of the pivot assembly 40, the current sense output or V(stall)is compared with a reference voltage V(ref)(pivot) for the pivot driver.When the stall voltage exceeds the reference voltage, a stall alertsignal is generated. Likewise, during operation of the door drive motorin the door assembly 306, the current sense output V(stall) is comparedwith a reference voltage V(ref)(door). When the stall voltage exceedsthe reference voltage, a stall alert signal is generated. Of course thisapproach is exemplary.

In exemplary embodiments the input devices, motors, sensors, circuitry,alarms, devices and other electrical devices are in operative connectionwith circuitry that includes one or more processors. The processorsoperate in accordance with program instructions stored in one or moreassociated data stores to control operation of devices in the system.Computer executable instructions may be stored on a suitable article ofmedia from which such instructions may be programmed and recovered. Suchmedia may include, for example, a hard drive, a floppy disk, a CD-ROM,flash memory, firmware memory or other suitable article. Of course inother embodiments other approaches may be used.

In an exemplary embodiment a method of protecting the customer terminal14 from substantial physical damage is provided. The method includesmounting a cradle body 176 of a carrier cradle assembly 20 in movablesupporting connection relative to the frame member 26 of the upreceive/down send customer terminal 14 so that the cradle body 176occupies an initial position relative to the frame member 26. A force isapplied to the cradle body 176 and a flex mechanism 184 is utilized toallow the cradle body 176 to move relative to the frame member 26responsive to applied force. The amount of displacement of the cradlebody 176 is dependent on the exerted force, up to a predeterminedmaximum displacement. The force is removed from the cradle body 176 andthe flex mechanism 184 is utilized to return the cradle body 176 tosubstantially the initial position.

In an exemplary embodiment a method for protecting the customer terminalfrom substantial physical damage includes mounting a carrier cradleassembly 20 in supporting connection with a frame member 26 of an upreceive/down send customer terminal wherein the carrier cradle assembly20 includes a cradle body 176 operative to support a carrier 18 in apresentation position and a mounting bracket 178 in supportingconnection with the cradle body 176. A force, exceeding a thresholdvalue, is applied to the cradle body 176. A frangible portion or member196 disposed adjacent the cradle body 176 breaks upon application of theforce.

In an exemplary embodiment, a method of preventing substantial physicaldamage to a customer terminal may include utilizing both a flexmechanism 184 and breaking a frangible member 196.

In an exemplary embodiment, a method of servicing an operator terminal12 is provided. The exemplary method includes servicing at least oneoperator terminal assembly from a front of an operator terminal 12. Theoperator terminal assembly to be serviced is at least one memberselected from the group consisting of a door assembly 306, a catchassembly 312, and a panel assembly 314. The exemplary method includesselectively removing a door assembly 306 from supporting connection witha frame member 300 of the operator terminal through a front openingthereof, wherein the door assembly 306 includes a door drive mechanism322 and a door member 324; selectively removing a catch assembly 312from supporting connection with the frame member 300 through the frontopening, wherein the catch assembly 312 includes a catch mechanism 354comprising a movable catch member 356; or selectively moving a panelassembly 314 from an operative position to a service position, whereinthe panel assembly 314 includes a component panel 368 and at least oneoperator terminal component mounted in supporting connection with thecomponent panel. After performance of the required service activity, thedoor assembly 306 or the catch assembly 312 is replaced through thefront opening, or the panel assembly 314 is returned to the operableposition.

The door assembly 306 may be removed from supporting connection with theframe 300 by removing fasteners that extend between the support frame320 and the frame 300, and disengaging the door assembly 306 from thecatch assembly 312. The support frame 320 may be disassembled in orderto provide access to the door drive mechanism 322, including the doordrive motor 338, the sprocket 328, and the drive tape 330. The door backmember 344 is removably connected to the support frame 320 for readyassembly and disassembly.

In the exemplary service method, the catch assembly 312 may be removedfrom supporting connection with the frame 300 by removal of fastenersthat extend between the support element 350 and the frame 300. Thetubular portion 352 of the catch assembly 312 may be disengaged from thecoupling sleeve 364 by operation of the adjustment mechanism 366. In theexemplary method, the adjustment mechanism 366 may be accessed from afront of the operator terminal. After removal of the catch assembly 312from engagement with the frame 300, the catch mechanism 354 includingcatch member 356 and solenoid or motor 360, may be readily accessed forservice or replacement. Alternately, the entire catch assembly 312 maybe readily replaced.

In the exemplary service method, the panel assembly 314 may be movedfrom an operational position to a service position by removal offasteners that extend between the panel assembly 314 and the catchassembly 312. The fasteners may only be accessible after removal of thefront fascia 34 away from the frame 300. The panel assembly 314 may beplaced into a service position wherein a mounting surface 370 of acomponent panel may be accessed from a front of the operator terminal12.

In the exemplary service method, operator terminal components, such as apower supply assembly 373, a control circuit 374, line filters 376 andconnecting cables or wires may be accessed for servicing or replacementwhen the panel assembly 314 is in the service position.

In an exemplary embodiment there is provided a method for retrofitting anew construction customer terminal onto a stub-out of an existingpneumatic transport system. The exemplary method includes selectivelymounting a blower motor housing 230 in supporting connection with aframe member 26 of an up receive/down send customer terminal adapted foroperative connection with a customer end of the tube 16A of a pneumatictransport tube 16. The frame member 26 includes a bottom plate 210having a forward open region 212, and a rearward open region 214. If thecustomer end 16A is adapted to be received through the forward openregion 212 then the blower motor housing 230 is selectively mounted to amounting site 228 on a rearward wall portion 222 of the frame member. Ifthe customer end of the tube 16A is adapted to be received through therearward open region 214, then the blower motor housing 230 isselectively mounted to a mounting site 226 on a forward wall portion 220of the frame member 26. The frame member 26 is situated relative thecustomer end of the tube 16A so that the customer end is selectivelyreceived through the forward open region 212 or the rearward open region214. An operative connection is then provided between the customer end16A and the tubular member 52 of a pivot assembly 40 mounted insupporting connection with the frame member 26, wherein the tubularmember 52 is adapted to receive a carrier 18 through an open endthereof.

It should be understood that in other alternative embodiments theprinciples described herein may be used in conjunction with other systemtypes. This may include for example systems which include blowers orother devices for applying differential pressure at each end of thesystem. For example, provision may be made for applying either negativeor positive pressure, or both at each end terminal. This may provide forexample, for systems in which a negative pressure is applied in front ofthe carrier as a positive pressure is applied behind the carrier. Thismay enable the carrier to move greater loads and/or at faster speeds.Also in some embodiments appropriate sensors and controls may be used tocontrol the differential pressure so that the force and speed of thecarrier may be controlled in a manner that is optimal for the particularcircumstances.

The devices, methods and principles described herein may be used inconjunction with systems of the type shown in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,672,807and/or 6,146,057, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein byreference. Also the described devices, methods and principles may alsobe applied in connection with systems of the types shown in U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 08/889,033 filed Jul. 7, 1997 and/or U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 10/390,342 filed Mar. 17, 2003, the disclosures ofeach of which are also incorporated herein by reference.

While the exemplary embodiments include particular structures to achievethe desirable results, those having skill in the art may devise numerousother embodiments with other structures which employ the same inventiveprinciples described herein and which are encompassed by the subjectmatter as claimed.

Thus the exemplary embodiments achieve the above stated objectives,eliminate difficulties encountered in the making and use of priordevices, solve problems, and attain the desirable results describedherein.

In the foregoing description certain terms have been used for brevity,clarity, and understanding. However, no unnecessary limitations are tobe implied therefrom because such terms are for descriptive purposes andare intended to be broadly construed. Moreover, the descriptions andillustrations herein are given by way of examples and the invention isnot limited to the exact details shown and described.

In the following claims any feature described as a means for performinga function will be construed as encompassing any means capable ofperforming the recited function, and will not be deemed limited to theparticular means shown as performing that function in the foregoingdescription or mere equivalents thereof.

Having described the features, discoveries, and principles of theinvention, the manner in which it is constructed and operated, and theadvantages and useful results attained; the new and useful structures,devices, elements, arrangements, parts, combinations, systems,operations, methods, and relationships are set forth in the appendedclaims.

1. A method comprising: a) mounting a carrier cradle assembly to a support structure of a down send terminal adapted for use in a pneumatic transport system, wherein the support structure is supported on a frame, wherein the carrier cradle assembly includes a mounting bracket and a cradle body, wherein the cradle body is external to and movable relative to the frame; b) applying a generally horizontally directed force to the cradle body in an initial position; c) moving the cradle body responsive to the force applied in (b), wherein a spring biased flex mechanism mounted in operative supported connection with the frame and the cradle body enables movement of the cradle body relative to the frame responsive to the force applied to the cradle body without operative separation of the frame and cradle body.
 2. The method of claim 1 further comprising: d) subsequent to (c), removing the applied force from the cradle body; and e) subsequent to (d), returning the cradle body to substantially the initial position, through operation of the flex mechanism.
 3. The method of claim 2 wherein in (c), the flex mechanism enables movement of the cradle body through steps including: compressing a spring member of a spring assembly with a spring compression member mounted in movable relationship with a pin member extending operatively between the carrier cradle assembly through a hole in a support structure supported on the frame, wherein a gap, G, between the spring compression member and the support structure is decreased upon movement from the initial position, wherein when the cradle body is in the initial position, gap, G, has a maximum value.
 4. The method of claim 3 wherein in (e) gap G increases to the maximum value responsive to force applied by the spring.
 5. The method of claim 4 further comprising: f) applying a generally horizontal force to the cradle body above a threshold value; g) responsive to (f) breaking a frangible portion of the mounting bracket, wherein the frangible portion is disposed adjacent the cradle body, where at least a portion of the cradle body is separated from operative connection with the frame responsive to breaking the frangible portion.
 6. The method of claim 5 further comprising: (h) subsequent to (g), replacing the damaged carrier cradle assembly with another carrier cradle assembly.
 7. The method of claim 5 wherein in (g) the frangible portion is comprised of a plastic material.
 8. The method of claim 7 wherein in (a) the cradle body is comprised of substantially only spaced glides to provide a lightweight cradle body.
 9. A method comprising: (a) connecting a first portion in fixed operative connection with a pneumatic terminal, and a second portion in fixed operative connection with a carrier cradle through a first spring biased connecting device, wherein the first spring biased connecting device biases the first and second portions into adjacent relation; (b) connecting a third portion in fixed operative connection with the pneumatic terminal and a fourth portion in fixed operative connection with the carrier cradle through a second spring biased connection device, wherein the second spring biased connecting device biases the second and fourth portions into adjacent relation; wherein with the first and second portions and the third and fourth portions in adjacent relation the carrier cradle is in an aligned position, wherein in the aligned position the carrier cradle is generally aligned with an opening in the terminal.
 10. The method according to claim 9 wherein in (a) the first spring biased connecting device includes a first compression spring acting to hold the first portion and the second portion adjacent.
 11. The method according to claim 10 wherein in (b) the second spring biased connecting device includes a second compression spring acting to hold the third portion and the fourth portion in adjacent relation.
 12. The method according to claim 11 wherein in (a) force applied by the first compression spring increases with movement of the carrier cradle away from the aligned position.
 13. The method according to claim 12 wherein the carrier cradle includes an arrival pad disposed from the second portion and the fourth portion, and wherein in (a) at least one frangible portion of the carrier cradle is positioned vertically intermediate of the terminal opening and the arrival pad.
 14. The method according to claim 13 wherein in (b) at least one frangible portion of the carrier cradle is positioned in vertically intermediate relation of each of the second portion and the fourth portion, and the arrival pad.
 15. The method according to claim 14 wherein (a) includes compressing the first compression spring.
 16. The method according to claim 15 wherein (b) includes compressing the second compression spring.
 17. The method according to claim 16 and further comprising: (c) moving the carrier cradle generally horizontally responsive to a first impact; and (d) subsequent to (c), returning the carrier cradle to an initial position automatically through operation of the first and second compression springs.
 18. The method according to claim 16 and further comprising: (c) moving the carrier cradle generally horizontally responsive to an impact; (d) breaking at least one frangible portion of the carrier cradle responsive to the impact in (c).
 19. The method according to claim 18 and further comprising: (e) subsequent to (d) removing the second portion and the fourth portion from operative connection with the terminal.
 20. The method according to claim 19 and further comprising: (f) connecting the first portion and a fifth portion in fixed operative connection with a further pneumatic carrier cradle, through a spring biased connection device operative to bias the first and fifth portions into adjacent relation; (g) operatively connecting the third portion and a sixth portion in fixed operative connection with the further carrier cradle, through a spring biased connection device that biases the third and sixth portions into adjacent relation.
 21. The method according to claim 20 wherein in (a) the pneumatic terminal comprises a down send terminal. 